Rudeness costs your business. But what are the most annoying behaviors to target? And, what etiquette is essential for greatest success?

The Most Rude And Annoying Behaviors:
1) Telephone Rudeness
Organizations can quickly look bad if their telephone systems are outdated, and the people who use them are lazy or casual. Be vigilant about using your phone correctly. Make sure employees know how to put people on hold and keep them there respectfully, transfer calls expertly, return calls promptly, and identify themselves professionally. Correct poor telephone technique and hold yourself and your staff accountable.
2) Interruptions
Make sure your interruptions are worthy of disturbing others. Knock. Preface your conversation with what you want to discuss. Be aware of when you butt into conversations, talk over existing conversation, or must have the last word. Interrupt interrupters if they act inappropriately or disturb your work. Schedule another time to talk.
3) Lack of Appreciation
Not being appreciative of people’s work, contributions, gifts, or invitations will mark you as untrustworthy, as will hogging the credit. Tell people you appreciate what they’ve done even if their performance is what you expect. Encourage behavior you want to continue.
4) Inappropriate Language
Watch your mouth. Make sure your grammar and voice tone are professional. Limit, even eliminate, profanity and coarse language. Could you use some tact? Don’t you admire people who have a way with words?
5) Inappropriate Appearance
Do your clothes fit you physically? Do they fit the occasion and the setting? Be clear about how you expect people to look for business. You may need to be specific with some who don’t seem interested or concerned about their appearance. Business casual dress remains more formal than what you’d wear at home. Practice impeccable grooming.
6) Not Honoring People’s Time
Do not impose your lack of organization or control of your time upon others. Start and end meetings on time. Give reasonable notice for projects. Don’t consistently spring things on people at the last minute unless that is a part of the job. Be on time for work. Concentrate on work while at work. If you can’t make a deadline, say what you can do. Let people know when you’ll be late. Offer to reschedule.
7) Public Criticism
Be aware of how you criticize others and in what settings you do so, so that you achieve the results you want. Also, make sure you can take criticism. Surround yourself with people who will be honest with you, but know when not to press a point.

Most Admired And Respected Behaviors:
1) Knowledgeable, Gets Results
Help your staff perfect their skills and knowledge to be helpful to others. We all know nice people who look good and smile, but never get anything done. Let people do the work you hired them to do. Respect their knowledge.
2) Exceptional Listener
Concentrate when people tell you something you need to know. Eliminate distractions. Stop the phones. Close the door. Sit silent and still. If you are unable to listen attentively, reschedule.
3) Consistent Demeanor
Treat everyone with a basic amount of respect. Don’t be caught doing back flips for VIP’s, then throwing temper tantrums with clerks. Be as strong when you begin a project as when you end one; be as service-oriented when you sell as when you service.
4) Approachable and Accessible
Be easy to meet. Introduce yourself; don’t wait for people to approach you. Learn, remember, and use people’s names in conversation. Act friendly. Perfect a good handshake. Return phone calls promptly. Make sure people can reach you fairly easily, but don’t mention if they are hard to reach.
5) Honor Commitments
Do what you say you will do. If you can’t keep your commitments or remain undecided, alert people so they can make other plans. Don’t be a consistent “no show.” Remember the adage, “Neither break promises you should keep, nor keep promises you should break.”
6) Honesty
Be known for being honest. Do not cultivate a reputation for dishonesty. Be scrupulously honest when dealing with time and money. Be tactful when dealing with people.
7) Display Social Graces
Practice social graces for business places. Learn how to operate socially. Rehearse whom you might see at receptions, so that names pop more easily into your head. Learn how to converse and visit with people. They’ll trust you.